Russia has commercial, security and political or diplomatic interests in Africa, and joins a host of other external powers such as the US, China, and Turkey, who seek to increase their engagement on the continent.
Russia’s efforts form part of attempts to reclaim its stature as a global power and show that it is a key player in most regions of the world.
Evidence-based research into Russia’s growing presence in Africa is however limited, particularly from the African perspective. Responding to this gap and building on previous work, in March 2021 SAIIA launched a two-year project that will examine Russia’s strategic engagement and policy impact in Africa.
The project will focus on three key themes:
- Russia and other external actors in Africa
- Russia, Africa and norm development
- Russian influence building in Africa
Understanding the drivers of Russia’s engagement, the instruments adopted by Moscow, and the role of media in shaping public discourse is crucial to developing a broader assessment of Russia’s aims in Africa and their potential impact on the continent.
The project will be carried out in partnership with academics and experts working in the Russia-Africa space. A series of scoping workshops in May and June 2021 will assist in developing a roadmap for the project’s success.
The process so far
- On 17 November 2021, a webinar on Russia’s Strategic Engagement in Africa was held online:
- On 24 February 2022, a webinar on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and what this means for Africa was held online:
Project leaders include Steven Gruzd and Cayley Clifford of SAIIA. For more information about the project or ways to partner with SAIIA, please feel free to contact Cayley Clifford via email: cayley.clifford@wits.ac.za
What our researchers are reading
- The Africa Policy of Russia
- Late to the Party: Russia’s Return to Africa
- The United States and Russia in Africa
- China-Russia Bilateral Cooperation in Africa
- Russia’s return to Africa: a comparative study of Egypt, Algeria and Morocco
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: What does it mean for Africa?
- The Economic Implications of the War in Ukraine for Africa and Morocco
Media Coverage:
- Steven Gruzd, Modern Diplomacy – Arguments for Advancing Russia-African Relations
- Steven Gruzd, Radio 702 – What role can South Africa play as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
- Steven Gruzd, Cape Talk – South Africa’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Steven Gruzd, Media and Society (SABC) – Media bias in covering the Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Steven Gruzd, BBC World Service – Africa and the Russia-Ukraine conflict
Call for papers for a special 2022 issue of the South African Journal of International Affairs
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